72DFFP19R00007_-_Senior_Contracts_and_Grants_Specialist.pdf

Request for Personal Services Contractor

United States Agency for International Development

Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance Office of Food for Peace

Position Title: Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist Solicitation Number: 72DFFP19R00007 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $96,970 - $126,062 (Includes Washington, D.C. locality pay)

Issuance Date: February 6, 2019 Closing Date: February 27, 2019 Closing Time: 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Food for Peace (FFP), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

(See sample resume on www.ffpjobs.com website)

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(e) U.S. Citizenship

Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

http://www.ffpjobs.com/

Solicitation for a USPSC Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist

72DFFP19R00007

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2. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors: Each applicant’s supplemental document must address the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 309-2: Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list.

Registration information is available at www.sam.gov and further guidance will be provided to the selectee regarding DUNS and SAM registration.

The submission of additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume, scanned AID 309-2 form, and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to:

FFP PSC Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to FFP PSC Recruitment Team via the information provided above. Further guidance on applying, including a sample resume, can be found at www.ffpjobs.com.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

Sincerely, Renee Newton Contracting Officer http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov http://www.ffpjobs.com/

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SOLICITATION NO.: 72DFFP19R00007

1. ISSUANCE DATE: February 6, 2019

2. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

February 27, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

3. POSITION TITLE: Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist

4. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated at the GS-13 equivalent level

($96,970 - $126,062) including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but moving and relocation expenses are not authorized. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year with four (4) one-year option periods.

6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C., with possible overseas and domestic travel.

7. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret level security clearance.

8. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen.

9. STATEMENT OF WORK:

BACKGROUND

USAID's Office of Food for Peace (FFP) USAID's Office of Food for Peace (FFP) predicts, prevents, and responds to hunger overseas. Through its emergency food assistance activities, FFP saves lives, reduces suffering, and supports the early recovery of people affected by conflict and natural disaster emergencies, including refugees.

FFP also addresses the root causes of food insecurity and helps individuals and communities withstand future crises and lay the foundation for stable, inclusive growth. FFP development activities help chronically food insecure populations reduce their long-term need for food assistance by helping communities improve access to food for their most vulnerable people, especially women and children.

Food for Peace works closely with other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future initiative, and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), which leads on disaster response around the world. Food for Peace employs a staff of over 100 in Washington and also has officers posted abroad.

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More Information on FFP is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance

INTRODUCTION

Award management involves planning for, implementing, and managing Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and awards with nonprofit organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Public International Organizations (PIO), and others, and providing grants-related assistance and services. FFP also includes contracts under awards and this position will focus on acquisitions as well as assistance and work with staff to improve and enhance Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) skills, plus work in the area of risk management.

United States Government (USG) and Agency procurement reforms and improvements to standard operating procedures have required various revisions to FFP procedures and policies in order to better support FFP staff globally, along with FFP awardees. Staff dedicated to providing in-house expertise, guidance, and quality control for FFP – capturing and developing procedures and policies, along with best practices and innovations – would allow staff from the FFP divisions to better collaborate as an office and work smarter as a result. The FFP divisions include: Policy and Technical Division (PTD) in support of policy formulation, program guidance, and technical capacity; Program Operations Division (POD) in support of commodity procurement, budget and finance, and commodity prepositioning; and two geographic divisions in support of the program activities implemented by awardees, i.e., Central, East, and Southern Africa Divisions and Global Division, which cover Asia, Near East, Middle East, West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The Grants and Contracts Services Team will be located within the Policy and Technical Division, led by the Grants Manager who will serve as the Team Leader. The team will standardize, document, and disseminate FFP procedures and policies, providing consistency, quality control, guidance, and best practices on grants management services with support from all divisions.

10. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the direct supervision of the Division Chief or his/her designee, the Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist will perform the following duties:

At the GS-13 Equivalent level:

Contract/Assistance Compliance Review

● Conduct reviews of highly specialized contracts, assistance agreements and contracting plans;

● Monitor all acquisition and assistance strategy and documents and instruments for diverse, specialized, complex, and unique contracts and agreements for various programs that involve a broad spectrum of systems;

● Support FFP staff and Contract/Agreement Officer (CO/AO) by providing guidance and training concerning contract/agreement administration (i.e., acquisitions and assistance support) to ensure terms and conditions are complied with and that the https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance

5 | Page contractor/awardee delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of FFP’s and the Agency's projects and programs. Responsibilities to include:

o Support and train FFP staff to review changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout for CO/AO review and approval.

o Conduct site visits tied to new awards, monitoring and evaluation, audit and investigation findings and recommendations and more under the direction of the CO/AO or supervisor. Link site visits to risk management.

o Advise FFP staff on administration responsibilities contained in their award documents in terms of acquisitions and assistance.

o Outline for FFP staff how to evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's and recipient’s business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, subcontracting procedures, and financial management. Make linkages to development of independent government cost estimates and other acquisitions documents for learning and knowledge sharing.

o Describe to FFP staff, key issues tied to contractor and recipient compliance with Cost Accounting Standards or other cost principles and requirements, as applicable.

● Assist FFP staff and the CO/AO in resolving audit and investigation findings on post-award audits; and

● Draft for the CO/AO, responses to protests and inquiries through research, analysis and presentation of necessary documentation and history.

Monitors Contractor's Performance

● Support select FFP staff to perform contract administration activities for significant, highly specialized procurements involving long-term, extensive technical service contracts and/or cost type contracts and assistance instruments. Contract types vary with the complexity of the acquisition and the best interests of the government, ranging from Firm-Fixed-Price through Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee types;

● Guide FFP staff to independently review and monitor contractor's and awardee’s performance on awards, regulatory and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits;

● Develop and provide training on various tools for use by FFP staff to monitor status of performance, review for approval of progress payments, reviewing and providing recommendations on proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems with proposed solutions, verification of deliveries, and similar activities; and

● Prepare for FFP staff and the CO/AO and other officials of the Agency interpretations of contract and grant provisions as applicable to contractors and awardees/grantees, and provide appropriate support, advice and guidance.

Procurement Program Planning Work

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● Guide FFP staff in developing new plans, schedules or methods to accommodate changing program requirements for acquisition as well as assistance programs for new or complex programs with ability to multi-task within varying assignments;

● Anticipate problems and provide advice to FFP staff on effective implementation and time frames required to ensure they are met;

● Advise FFP staff in project planning meetings of the procurement and assistance instruments used. Advise FFP CORs/AORs in the drafting of effective statements of work, program descriptions, evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, application guidelines and other supporting documents for notices of funding opportunities such as RFAs, RFPs, Task Orders, Inter-Agency Agreements and/or any other procurement instruments;

● Review and track the preparation of various solicitation documents, as required;

● Provide guidance and training to new FFP staff on USAID regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200), Automated Directive Systems (ADS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements; and

● Provide services to FFP field personnel during disaster responses by advising on resolution of special procurement or assistance problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims. Support field staff on various acquisitions and assistance inquiries.

Analyzes Sources for the Items/Services Procured

● Develop new or innovative acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions or financial arrangements that serve as models for future major acquisitions;

● Survey the market to locate new procurement sources and determine the availability of items or services with specialized requirements to support procurement and assistance, e.g., the development of an independent government cost estimate (IGCE). Obtain appropriate data from business and technical officials. In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, develop creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data;

● Perform detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals and PVOs’ applications feeding into the memorandum of negotiation;

● Assist the technical evaluation committee and/or selection committee chair in the determination of the competitive range and aid with the preparation of defensible justifications, when required;

● In coordination with FFP staff, conduct pre-proposal conferences with prospective partners to arrive at a clear understanding of what is required under the proposed award;

● Draft requests for applications for awards under assistance;

● Review and edit draft documents to ensure quality and completeness pertaining to necessary modifications; clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or award clauses or sub-award details; and

● Explore and propose new or innovative contracting/award approaches to arrive at an improved mechanisms, lower management burden and/or an equitable contract arrangement.

Negotiates Procurement of Products and Services Using a Variety of Contract Types

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● Develop training materials and supporting documentation for FFP staff to: (1) manage the acquisition and assistance process from inception through negotiation, award, and administration and ultimately, close-out and make awards recommendation to the CO/AO; (2) prepare the memoranda of negotiation, organize and prepare pre- and post-award debriefs; and

● Coordinate with the FFP staff and technical experts on a variety of contracts and assistance instruments requiring the development of new or modified evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and contractual arrangements. Participate actively in troubleshooting risk management concerns and investigation findings.

Contract Compliance Review

● Responsible for preparing tip sheets and training materials for FFP staff to support contract administration to ensure sufficient contract terms and conditions are met and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency’s and FFP’s projects/programs; and

● Discuss with FFP staff and document for reference for FFP staff details associated with incremental funding actions, rate and cost adjustments, re-direction of effort, time extensions, incorporation of time extension, and incorporation of change orders preparation of stop work orders.

Policy Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

● Analyze a variety of contracting policy issues, problems and identify alternative courses of action;

● Provide technical advice to FFP staff and CO/AO on matters pertaining to contracting policies and provide advice upon request, regarding specific situations or problems and changed procedures involving regulations, laws, and good business practices; and

● Support FFP staff responses to protests or requests for debriefs by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history in conjunction with the

CO/AO.

Other

● Attend Agency training, especially those sponsored by Office of Acquisitions and Assistance, Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, Office of Transition Initiatives and Program, Planning and Learning, as necessary, to better understand programmatic priorities for the Agency and how this translates into procurement and assistance requirements for FFP;

● Conduct brown bags and other informational sessions to educate FFP staff on changes in procurement policy or other relevant subject matter; and

● Write up and distribute tip sheets of training/learning summaries with FFP staff and others as needed.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent takes direction from and reports to the Grants Manager Team Leader. The incumbent’s supervisor sets the overall work objectives as well as deadlines, projects and work to be accomplished. The incumbent, in consultation with the Grants Manager Team Leader, 8 | Page develops specific objectives and priorities. The incumbent independently plans and carries out the work, selects the approaches and techniques to be used, and informs the supervisor of progress and significant problems. Work is evaluated on the degree to which materials to support program and regulatory requirements are developed and documented.

Guidelines:

Pertinent sources of information consist of FFP rules and regulations, in addition to the Federal Acquisition and Regulations (FAR), the USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), USAID Automated Directive System (ADS), and Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations as appropriate to

USAID.

The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of guidelines to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods or in researching patterns and trends to develop new methods, criteria or proposed policies. The incumbent is expected to identify and recommend solutions to inefficiencies or inconsistencies that serve as barriers to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and report them to the Food Security Team Leader of his/her designee.

Complexity

Duties vary and require different processes, methods, and substantial depth of analysis. The incumbent must work with a range of people from the Geographic, Policy, and Technical divisions, field staff, and other bureaus within USAID. The incumbent makes decisions involving major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation and evaluation processes. The work of the incumbent involves supporting and guiding FFP staff through their varied Acquisition & Assistance duties and must have knowledge or ability to research many different and unrelated processes and/or methods which cover the full range of contracting and assistance activities in the assigned functional area(s) or contract reviews that reveal trends and common problems.

The incumbent reviews data and recommends or initiates action to resolve a variety of problems under different award instruments such as contracts and awards under assistance. Actions will include factors not routinely encountered. The incumbent determines what needs to be done including analysis of alternatives, adaptation, or modification of procedures, resolution of incomplete and/or conflicting technical/contractor data.

Scope and Effect

Work typically includes planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating programs and/or projects, requiring creativity and support from others. The incumbent may be required to work as a team leader when assigned by his/her superior to guide the work of other professional and technical staff.

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The purpose of the work is to provide expertise as a specialist in a functional area of contracts and grants/cooperative agreements by furnishing advisory, planning, or reviewing services on specific problems, projects, or programs. The work affects a wide range of procurement and assistance activities tied to FFP emergency and development food security projects. The incumbent of this position advises and supports FFP staff in project planning meetings of the procurement and assistance instruments; drafting of effective statements of work, program descriptions, evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, application guidelines and other supporting documents for notices of funding opportunities (i.e., Request for Applications (RFAs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), Task Orders (TOs), Inter Agency Agreement and/or any other procurement instruments).

Personal Contacts

Contacts are with individuals or group from inside and outside of the Agency in moderately unstructured settings. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating activities related to food security, coordinating with contractors and Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs) for select contracts. The incumbent must also coordinate with other donors specific to FFP funded interventions to ensure clear understanding of USAID/FFP programs and priorities. The incumbent regularly liaises with key stakeholders on humanitarian assistance issues from a food security perspective. The incumbent coordinates closely with Food for Peace/Washington (FFP/W) field staff, USAID Mission and regional offices, U.S. Embassy, other U.S. agencies, military representatives, as well as United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) agencies working in country on issues related to food security.

Purpose of Contacts

The incumbent influences, motivates, and directs people and/or groups to reach a consensus on the resolution of issues at high levels; both inside and outside of the Agency. The incumbent negotiates and secures authorization for assistance programs and determines the appropriateness and effectiveness of USAID’s assistance in the missions and among donors in assistance efforts.

The incumbent provides guidance on program design and implementation, as well as select guidance to FFP staff concerning contracts and acquisitions, in addition to, conducting briefings on the status of programs and contracts. The incumbent must establish a rapport with Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) and Public International Organizations (PIOs) in order to gain and relay information with decision makers. The incumbent may be required to communicate with contractors to obtain cost estimates, restrictions, special conditions, and other information as necessary to fulfill the duties of this role.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During short-term travel, thirty (30) days or less in a calendar year, for FFP; the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands.

11. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

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12. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

* Application Process: Applicants must indicate in their application the solicitation number to which they are applying for their initial one-year base contract.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

A. Minimum Qualifications: Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

At the GS-13 Equivalent level:

An Associate’s degree or a minimum of 48 credits from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution. The incumbent will have a total of at least (12) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions, of which (10) years should be related to procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions, of which five (5) years should be related to procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution. The incumbent will have a total of at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions, of which four (4) years should be related to should be related to procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims.

Selection Factors

● Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

● Submission of a current resume, with complete contact information;

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs);

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● USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted;

● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level clearance within nine months following the job offer acceptance;

● Ability to obtain a physician’s statement of physical fitness within a one month period after offer acceptance;

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials; and

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed below. In 500 words or less, the applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor.

Please provide a word count after each response, your name, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

● QRF 1. Demonstrated experience in acquisition and assistance functions and in the full range of responsibilities such as procurement planning, analysis & evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition & assistance instruments. Demonstrated experience in pre-award negotiation skills, formal presentations and post-award administration, in 500 words or less. (25 points)

● QRF 2. Demonstrated knowledge of federal contracting and assistance principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services and/or construction, in 500 words or less. (20 points)

● QRF 3. Demonstrated ability to work independently in a highly demanding environment and capacity to handle tasks with varying deadlines. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage complex projects, negotiations and meetings. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues to non-specialist without oversimplifying. Ability to lead the team, provide strategic advice on highly complex and time sensitive procurements, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

● QRF 4. Demonstrated education experience in relevant field in business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting, accounting, or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, supply chain management, and/or material management, in 500 words or less. However, relevant and extensive work experience, if demonstrably successful may substitute or be given appropriate consideration. (10 points)

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Total Possible QRF Points: 70 Total Possible Interview Points: 20 Total Possible Writing Test Points: 10 Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Pass/Fail

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in not receiving full credit for all pertinent experience, education, or training.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample.

FFP will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates from this solicitation to fill possible future vacant positions.

NOTE: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant.

NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE: If a physician’s statement of physical fitness is not obtained within one month of offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS:

Where and How to Apply

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter via email: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. Complete, current resume. See cover page for resume requirements.

2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

mailto:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

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By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated.

False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and the position you are applying for on your application, and as the subject line in any email.

NOTE: If the full security application is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE: If a physician’s statement of physical fitness is not obtained within one month of offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS)

NUMBERS AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to contract award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

NOTE: Registration for a DUNS number is FREE.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html and FAR 52.204-7 , System for Award Management at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov.

Interested applicants are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early in the application stage to avoid any delays during contract award.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html%20and%20FAR%2052.204-7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/

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Forms outlined below can found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Complete, current resume.

2. Supplemental Document addressing QRFs.

3. USPSC Application Form, (AID 309-2).

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

7. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form).

**Forms 4-8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

AAPD 15-02 AUTHORIZATION OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FOR U.S.

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS (USPSCs)

AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

AAPD 18-02 CHANGES TO THE MEDEVAC POLICY FOR USPSCs and TCNPSCs

AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 4 to the solicitation.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

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a) Employer's FICA Contribution

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f) Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable) *

The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/:

a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

c) Post Allowance (Section 220).

d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

f) Education Allowance (Section 270).

g) Education Travel (Section 280).

h) Post Differential (Chapter 500).

i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

j) Danger Pay (Section 650).

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE,

COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-

DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT

FACTOR.

https://aoprals.state.gov/

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ATTACHMENT 1

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (AAPD06-10)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below.

The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC)

SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 6 Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.”

In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS- 3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac

18 | Page insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 7 Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s)

19 | Page and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

[END PROVISION]

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ATTACHMENT 2

AUTHORIZATION OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FOR U.S. PERSONAL

SERVICES CONTRACTORS (USPSCs)

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2017)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-1c)

(a) Annual Leave.

(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.

(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation 0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two week period over 3, and up to 15 years

Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3)

(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused

21 | Page by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave.

The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S.

direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work. Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period…